Lombardi comments
I'll put the full quotes from Lombardi throughout the rest of the day, but here's a summary of what he had to say at the end of the draft:
-- The number of trades he made was not by design but was (as usually happens in a draft) a response to things that take place. He was pleased with that way he staff responded to situations but said there's always room for improvement.
-- The two Russians, Voinov and Loktionov, are under three-year contracts in Russia, but Lombardi said that under Russian rules, players can break those contracts by giving 30-day notice. He believes both players want to play in North American next season. The danger is if they sign huge five-year contracts with signing bonuses, but he's confident that they won't.
-- The Kings traded up seven spots to grab Andrew Campbell because they believed another team might grab him, and they really liked him. Lombardi described him as a Wayne Simmonds-type situation, ``a project who turned into a prospect.'' They think he has great potential and is very competitive.
-- The pick that seems to be getting the most buzz, Justin Azevedo, is a guy who intrigues Lombardi. He said Azevedo is a guy who doesn't yet have a complete game but is a good gamble in the sixth round.
-- The coaching search isn't likely to end soon. Lombardi does not intend to interview any more candidates before the start of the free agency period and said the immediate focus is on free agency. Lombardi said it's important to find the right person and the right fit and, when I asked him about this, agreed that the urgency is lessened by the fact that the Kings are essentially the only team without a coach. There's no competition.
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About Rich Hammond
Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor. E-mail Rich at rich.hammond@dailynews.com.
I hope DL takes his time hiring a new coach. the decision will determine where we are in 5 years.
Another very good draft, but potential is not always realized without good coaching.
Rich,
I hope you asked Dean about the trade with Colorado.
Rich: Not exactly 'KING'S' related but it was unusal tha Andy Murray was not visable at the St.Louis draft table. Any comment? I have heard that he has started to fall on bad times with Davidson, any truth to the rumor?
I like the job Dl did this weekend.
But I do have one question.
If he's preaching building from within, then why did he acquire Brad Richardson from Colorado.
He gave a 2nd pick for him and his stats are just average.
Why trade for him.
Shouldn't players already in the system compete for that roster spot.
I.E. Cliche, Trever Lewis, Tukonen, Simmonds, Meckler, Holloway, Brady Murray, Westgarth.
I'm sort of puzzled. If we have so many prospects in the system, why bring in an average player.
see Anthony, this is where your knowledge is limited. You go to yahoo.com/sports and check out some players stats and make your own assessment as to what kind of player he is. The kid is only 22 years of age and has room to grow. He is a fine player who will blossom under the right system and he'll be fine. See...there are average players...but don't forget...there are also average fans, such as yourself :)
Dorian,
What an unfortunate comment to a fair question. My guess is he was acquired to provide veteran depth at center in Manchester. But he has proven he can put up points at a young age in the NHL and Colorado traded the player to pick a goaltender so I am guessing they wanted the goalie pretty bad. Don't pick on Anthony just to be a jerk - save it for when it is deserved - which isn't as often as it occurs by the way....
i see Richardson as insurance for the right wing. first, just becase your mantra is build within does not mean that it is absolute. Besides, he is only 23 so it's not like DL is abandoning the youth movement. More importantly though, with the Cammy trade the Kings are woefully inexperienced and thin on right wing. I believe we finished the season with Brown, Cammy, Willsie, and Ellis (waiver pick up) on the right. Unless there is a FA signing, it's pretty much Brown and a bunch of question marks on the right. You can pencil in guys like Purcell, Moulson, and Murray but who knows how they will respond during a full season. Even if they make the team out of training camp, I anticipate one or two being sent down. Also injuries do happen.
Richardson does have more NHL experience. From what I've heard, Avs fans thought he never got a real chance to show his stuff. At worst he's down in manchester helping out a very young team that needs help in that position.
Richardson is a RFA so DL has to sign him first, though.
Thanks Dominc ,
I like your answer better.
No substitute for logic (which you have) and imaturity.
What do you predict will happen during free agency.
Hockey's Future lists Richardson as the cream of Colorado's '03 draft. Maybe DL's found us diamond in the ruff